 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Early entry GCSE
Resources for teaching fast-track GCSE and for bridging the gap to higher level courses
- Most schools delivering fast-track GCSE courses use conventional GCSE textbooks as these generally are a one-volume coursebook with accompanying worksheets and electronic resources.
- It is generally acknowledged that there is more emphasis on grammar with a fast-track course. King Edward VII School uses online materials for grammar based learning.
- Many schools prepare their own booklets especially for fast-track groups to supplement other resources. In addition, special materials are prepared by schools to bridge the gap between GCSE and a higher course such as AS, NVQ Level 3 or Advanced Asset.
Example worksheets produced by King Edward VII School about work experience, personal relationships and health for use to bridge from GCSE to AS:
Les avantages et les inconvénients de faire un stage (doc 51 KB)
Et si c’était l’amour (doc 43 KB)
Le tabagisme (doc 35 KB) - ICT is also used extensively particularly when encouraging the independent learning which is so necessary with a fast-track course.
For ideas on resources which have been found useful for early-entry GCSE and for also for progression after the GCSE see the case studies:
Dorothy Stringer case study
King Edward VII case study
Select appropriate resources
If the course book you choose for a fast-track programme is the last one in a series (eg Mėtro 4 rouge) it is important that teachers add their own resources to fill in the gaps in pupils’ knowledge. This is because the course book may assume that students have completed the content included in the previous books.
Encourage independent learning
Fast track pupils in KS3 may have fewer taught lessons than students following a conventional GCSE language course. Encouraging independent learning is essential to ensure that students have sufficient practice for the examinations.
The website Topmarks has some suggested web-based resources.
Some schools have developed excellent resources for students to use independently. Some good examples are:
- The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe
- The Ashcombe School, Dorking
- Westwood Language College
- Norton Knatchbull School
